Miniature mending kit



Feb. 22, 1938. M 2,109,318

MINIATURE MENDING KIT Filed June 18, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORMovin Lichier' ATTORNEYS Feb. 22, 1938. 2,109,318

MINIATURE MENDING KIT Filed June 18, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORMalvin Llcher ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 22, 1938 MINIATURE MENDING KITMalvin Lichter, New Rochelle, N. Y., assignor to The StickleasCorporation. New York, N. 1., a corporation of New York Application June18, 1935, Serial No. 27,168

13 Claims.

'This invention relates to mending kits, and more particularly to aminiature mending kit containing a needle and a plurality of differentlycolored threadsand if desired, further accessories such as pins, buttonsand the like.

The primary and general object of my invention resides in the provisionof a thin, flat, miniature mending kit which is pocketable; which isinexpensive and discardable; and which forms an attractive and usefulnovelty which may be given away by stores for advertising purposes orleft in hotel rooms for the convenience of hotel guests, and which lsconveniently carried when traveling, for mending or repair purposes.

Other objects of my invention center about a convenient and inexpensivemethod for manufacturing the mending kit rapidly under quantityproduction conditions.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and other more particiflarizedobjects which will hereinafter appear, my invention consists in themending kit elements and their relation one to the other as hereinafterare more particularly described in the specification and sought to bedefined in the claims. The specification is accompanied by drawings inwhich:

Fig. l is a perspective view of one form of mending kit embodyingfeatures of .my invention;

Fig. 2 shows the same in opened condition; Fig. 3 is a section taken inthe plane of the line 3-8 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the kit in closed condition;

Fig. 5 is a front elevation of a portion of an as elongated thread stripand is explanatory of the method of my invention;

Fig. 6 is a rear elevation of the same;

Fig. 'I shows the application of the thread strip to a cover strip;

Fig. 8 shows a modified form of the invention in partially openedcondition;

Fig. 9 is a section taken in the plane of the line 0-9 of F18. 8

Fig. 10 shows another modification of the invention in artially opencondition: and

Fig. 11 shows the same fully opened.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 4,the mending kit, which may also be called a thread book or aneedleand-thread case, or similar designation, comprises a relativelyrigid thread card I! on which are wound a plurality of preferablydifl'erently colored threads ll, it, It and 20. The thread card ispreferably rectangular, or square as so shown, and the threads are woundat spaced po nts in generally parallel relation, as is clearly evidentfrom Fig. 2 of the drawings. Thread card I! is secured to a cover 22preferably by means of a suitable fastener or staple 24 located near oneedge of the thread card. The 5 ends of the thread are disposed in backof the thread card and are normally held in place by the pressurebetween the thread card and the cover. Because the thread card issecured at one edge only as shown, it is readily lifted at its oppositeedge away from the cover, thus making the threads-accessible.

The cover 22 is preferably formed of heavy paper or light-weightcardboard and in the present instance, is creased to fold on the lines28 and 28, thereby forming top and bottom flaps l0 and 32. The cover isnormally held in closed condition by appropriate means, here exemplifiedby a tongue 34 formed at the end of flap 30 and a mating slot 18 cutthrough the bottom flap 3!. The cover is closed by inserting tongue 84in slot 38, as is clearly evident from inspection of Fig. 1.

The kit is completed by a needle 38 which is secured on thread card I!in any desired fashion, as by inserting the point in the thread card at2 ll! while holding the eye end l2 beneath one or more of the skeins orspools of thread. The front face of the thread card may be surfaced withmetallic foil simulating silver, gold or the like, thereby imparting anexceedingly attractive appearance to the kit. The outer, and if desired,the exposed inner surfaces of the cover may be printed with any suitablead ertisement or illustration as well as instructions for use of thekit. The assembly is small, thin and flat; is readily carried in pocketor purse; is so inexpensive that it may be given away free foradvertising purposes and is so useful and attractive that it may be soldto travelers, and when given away, forms an excellent and long retainedadvertising medium.

The kit is preferably manufactured under quantity production conditionsin accordance with the following method. Large sheets of cardboard aresurfaced with metal fell as aforesaid, and are then cut into long strips50 indicated in Figs. 5 and 6. These strips are as wide as the threadcard i2 in Fig. 2 is high, and are given any desired length. saysufficient for 12 thread cards. The different threads are prefer ablywound simultaneously. For this purpose the threads are led from largereels or spools and are guided through appropriate guides at a spacingequal to the spacing 52 between the threads on the thread card. The endsof the threads are preliminarily anchored in a slit Bl near one end ofstrip 88 and the threads and strip are then relatively rotated until thespecified or desired length of thread has been wound at the firststation. When four threads are used, as is here the case, there willthen be formed the four spools of thread I, it, I8 and 28. At this timethe thread guides are advanced relative to the strip (or vice yersa) byan amount equai to the desired width of one thread card, whereupon asecond set of threads is wound on the strip. During the shifting fromthe first to the second set of threads the threads run diagonally asindicated at 88 in Fig. 8. This operation is repeated until the entirestrip is filled with successive sets of thread. In each case the threadguides are advanced while the threads are on the rear side of the strip,and it is the resulting diagonalLv disposed threads that aresubsequently located between the thread card and the cover of the threadbook.

When using the thread book the diagonal ends of thread lying beneath thespools of thread are left in place while the diagonal thread ends lyingoutside the spools of thread are readily accessible for unwinding thedesired thread. The automatic retention of the thread ends in orderlyarrangement between the thread card and the cover after the threads areseveredwhen forming the individual units is of great convenience becauseotherwise the individual thread ends would have to be fastened in somemanner to prevent unwinding or escape. The thread book is completelyspoiled in appearance if substantial loose ends of thread projecttherefrom. With the present construction, the threads are always undercontrol and are retained in desired position without any increase inlabor during manufacture.

The wound thread strip 88 is next placed on an elongated cover strip 88which preferably has already been printed as desired and cut to form thetongue 88, slits 88 and fold lines 88 and 28. The strips 88 and 88are-stapled between the successive sets of thread as is indicated bystaples 28. The assembly is then slit or severed transversely asindicated by the dotted line 82 to form the individual units or threadkits. The needle may be inserted in the individual kits and the coverfolded and closed by manual operation.

The mending kit and manufacturing method has so far been described insimplest form. The kit may be modified in numerous parts. A somewhatmore elaborate kit is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. The main diflerencebetween this kit and that heretofore described resides in the provisionof a backing card 88 between the thread card I2 and the cover 22. Thisconstruction is used when it is desired to give the exterior of the booka smooth unmarred finish.

With the simple arrangement heretofore described the staple 24 isvisible from outside the cover as is clearly shown in Fig. 4. With thepresent improved arrangement the staple 88 passes through the threadcard I! and the backing card 84, but does not pass through the cover 22.Instead, the backing card 84 is cemented to the cover 22 as is indicatedat 88 in Fig. 9. The described construction possesses the advantage thatthe thread card is secured at one edge only so that it may be lifted toremove the thread. To attempt to cement the thread card a one edge onlyof the cover would be difllcult, would complicate the manufacturingprocess, would result in glue spreading to the thread, and finally, aglued connection thus limited in area would lack strength. With thepresent construction the strength and advantages of thestapiedconnection are retained and the backing 8| is readily cemented tothe cover over any desired area or extent.

To make this form of thread book the process above outlined is modifiedas follows. The thread strip when wound is placed over an elongatedbacking strip instead of being placed over the cover. The thread stripand backing strip are then stapled at spaced points, one staple beingused for each unit. The assembly of thread strip and backing strip isthen cemented to the cover strip and the cement may, if desired, beapplied continuously beneath substantially the entire area of thebackingfstrip. The complete assembly of threadstrip,-backlng strip andcover strip is then severed or out into individual units just aspreviously described.

The modification of Figs. 8 and 9 also difl'ers from that alreadydescribed in being provided with small safety pins l8. These are carriedin pockets formed by small slits 12 in the bottom iiap 28. The pins areinserted through slits l2 and the closure slit 8'. When the book isclosed, the pins as well as the needle and thread are all concealed fromview.

Another form of my invention is illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. In thisform of the invention the thread card 88 is secured to the cover 82 byan eyelet 88 rather than a staple, the eyelet preferably being locatedat one corner of the thread card. This permits the thread card to beswung outwardly away from the cover, as is clearly shown in Fig. 11.thus facilitating removal of the thread. This incidentally exposes thearea 88 of the cover, which may if desired be employed as additionaladvertising space.

It will be understood that the process of manufacture of this form ofkit is not substantially different from that previously described, forthe eyelets 88 may be inserted automatically at the desired spacing Justas was the case in using staples. It will also be understood that ifamore finished product is desired, in which the eyelet is not exposed atthe back of the kit, the thread card may be eyeleted to a backing cardinstead oi the cover. and the backing card may in turn be cemented tothe cover just as was described in connection with Figs. 8 and 9.

The present form of the invention also illustrates the provision ofbuttons 88 as a part of the kit. As will be evident from examination ofFigs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, the bottom flap 80 of the cover isenlarged somewhat and is slit at 92 to form pockets which receive andhold the buttons 88 in place. The fiap 88 is also slit at 88 to form apocket in which a small safety pin 88 is inserted,thereby providing theuser with a variety of accessories which may be needed for emergencymending.

It is believed that the mode of constructing and using as well as themany advantages of my improved mending kit will be apparent from theforegoing detailed description thereof. It will also be apparent thatwhile I have shown and described my invention in several forms, manychanges and modifications may be made in the particular structures whichI have herein disclosed without departing from the spirit of theinvention sought to be defined in the following claims.

In the claims the statement calling for means securing the thnead cardto the cover near one extremity of the thread card is intended toinclude the arrangement of Fig. 11, as'well as that of the otherfigures, the intent of the limitation being that the fastening means isso localized as to permit movement of the remainder of the thread card.

I claim:

1. In the manufacture of mending kits, the method which includessimultaneously winding a plurality of differently colored threads atspaced points near one end of a long strip of cardboard or like supportto form a first set of threads, intermittently relatively moving thethreads and the strip longitudinally of thestripby a substantial amountin order to-wlnd succeeding sets of the threads on said strip, thedistance of said movement exceeding the space occupied by the first setof threads, and slitting the strip between each of the sets of threads.

2. In the manufacture of mending kits, the method which includessimultaneously winding a, plurality of differently colored threads atspaced points near one end of a long strip of thin, stiff material suchas cardboard intemiittently relatively moving the threads and the striplongitudinally of the strip by a substantial amount in order to windsucceeding sets of the threads on said strip, fastening the strip to anelongated cover strip between the successive sets of threads. andthereafter slitting the assembly of thread card and cover strip betweeneach of the sets of threads in order to form single mending kit units.

3. In the manufacture of mending kits, the method which includes windinga plurality of sets of differently colored threads at spaced pointsabout a long strip of cardboard, fastening said strip to an elongatedcover strip at the successive sets of threads, and thereafter slittingthe assembly of thread card and cover strip between each of the sets ofthreads in order to form single mending kit units.

4. In the manufacture of mending kits, the method which includessimultaneously winding a plurality of differently colored threads atspaced points near one end of a long strip of cardboard, intermittentlyrelatively moving the threads and the strip longitudinally of the stripby a substantial amount in order to wind succeeding sets of the threadson said strip, placing said strip over a commensurately long backingstrip, stapling the strips together at the successive sets of threads,cementing the backing strip to an elongated cover strip, and thereafterslitting the assembly of thread card, backing strip and cover stripbetween each of the sets of threads in order to form single mending kitunits.

5. In the manufacture of mending kits, the method which includessimultaneously winding a plurality of differently colored threads atspaced points near one end of a long strip of thin stifl' material suchas cardboard, intermittently relatively moving the threads and the striplongitudinally of the strip by a substantial amount in order to windsucceeding sets of the threads on said strip, fastening the strip to anelongated cover strip at each of the successive sets of threads, andthereafter slitting the assembly of thread card and cover strip betweeneach of the sets of threads in order to form angle mending kit units.

6. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a plain rectangular threadcard wound at a plurality of spaced points with a plurality ofdifferently colored threads, a folded paper or thin cardboard cover forprotectively housing said thread card, the side edges of s id coverextending in the direction of the aforesaid thread windings and saidcover'being folded on lines transverse to the thread windings, fasteningmeans for suitably securing said thread card to the cover near one ofthe side edges of the thread card extending in the direction of thethread windings, the side edges of the thread card and the side edges ofthe cover being cut flush with one another, and means to releasably holdthe cover in closed condition about the thread card.

'1. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a plain rectangular threadcard made of relatively thick cardboard wound at a plurality of spacedpoints with a plurality of differently colored threads, a folded paperor thin cardboard cover for protectively housing said thread card. theside edges of said cover extending in the direction of the aforesaidthread windings and said cover being folded on lines transverse to thethread windings, fastening means for suitably securing said thread cardto the cover near one of the side edges of the thread card extending inthe direction of the thread windings, the side edges of the thread cardand the side edges of the cover being cut flush with one another, saidcover being folded around the thread card with the ends of the cover inoverlapping relation, one of said ends being shaped to form a tongue andthe other of said ends being incised to receive said tongue and tothereby releasably hold the cover in closed condition about the threadcard.

8. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a plain rectangular threadcard wound at a plu rality of spaced points with a plurality ofdifferently-colored threads, a backing card disposed immediately in backof said thread card, fastening means suitably securing said thread cardto said backing card at one of the side edges of the thread cardextending in the direction of the thread windings, a folded paper orthin cardboard cover for protectively housing said thread card, meanscementing the backing card to the cover, the side edges of said coverextending in the direction of the aforesaid thread windings and saidcover being folded on lines transverse to the thread windings, the sideedges of the thread card and backing card and cover all being cut flushwith one another and means to releasably hold the cover in closedcondition about the thread card.

9. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a plain rectangular threadcard made of relatively thick cardboard and wound at a plurality ofspaced points with a plurality of differently-colored threads, a backingcard disposed immediately in back of said thread card, fastening meanssuitably securing said thread card to said backing card at one of theside edges of the thread card extending in the direction of the threadwindings, a folded paper or thin cardboard cover for protectivelyhousing said thread card, means cementing the backing card to the cover,the side edges of said cover extending in the direction of the aforesaidthread windings and said cover being folded on lines transverse to thethread windings, the side edges of the thread card and backing card andcover all being cut flush with one another said cover being foldedaround the thread card with the ends thereof in overlapping relation,one of said ends being shaped to form a tongue and the other of saidends being incised to receive said tongue and to thereby releasably holdthe cover in closed condition about the thread card.

10. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a thread card wound at aplurality of spaced points with a plurality o! diil'erently coloredthreads, the inner ends of said threads extending diagonally beneath thewindings toward one side edge of the card, and the outer ends of saidthreads extending diagonally on top of the windings toward the oppositeside edge of the card, the inner and outer ends of the thread beingdisposed on the same face of the card, and a folded paper or thincardboard cover for protectively housing said thread card.

11. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a thread card wound at aplurality oi spaced points with a plurality of difierently coloredthreads, the inner ends of said threads extending diagonally beneath thewindings toward one side edge oi the card, and the outer ends of saidthreads extending diagonally on top of the windings toward the oppositeside edge of the card. the inner and outer ends of the thread beingdisposed on the same face of the card, a folded paper or thin cardboardcover for protectively housing said thread card, the side edges of saidcover extending in the direction of the aforesaid thread windings, a 1dsaid cover being folded on lines transverse to the thread windings,fastening means for suitably securing said thread card to the cover nearone oi the side edges of the thread card extending in the direction ofthe thread windings, the side edges of the thread card and the sideedges oi the cover being cut flush with one another, and means toreleasably hold the cover in closed condition about the thread card.

12. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a thread card wound at aplurality of spaced points with a plurality oi differently coloredthreads, the inner ends of said threads extenda folded paper or thincardboard cover for pro- I tectively housing said thread card.

13. A miniature pocket mending kit comprising a thread card wound at aplurality oi spaced points with a plurality of diflerently coloredthreads, the inner ends of said threads extending diagonally beneath thewindings toward one side edge of the thread card. the outer ends of saidthreads extending diagonally outside the windings toward the oppositeside edge of the thread card, a backing card disposed immediately inback 01' the thread card on the side having the thread ends, fasteningmeans suitably securing said thread card to said backing card near oneof the side edges oi the thread card extending in the direction of thethread windings, a folded paper or thin cardboard cover for protectivelyhousing said thread card, means securing the backing card to the cover,the side edges of said cover extending in the direction of the threadwindings, and said cover being folded on lines transverse to the threadwindings, the said edges of the thread card and backing card and coverall being cut flush with one anotherfand means to releasably hold thecover in closed condition about the thread card.

MALVIN LIGHTER.

